Charity sees record number of rough sleepers

Framework Outreach workers like Steven Wrigley (left) and Stephanie Haines (right) go on pre dawn walks of Sheffield city centre every day of the year.

A charity working to help get rough sleepers off the streets in Sheffield has said it has seen a record number of people.

Framework Street Outreach Team say in August this year they found 71 people sleeping rough in and around Sheffield city centre. An increase of 78% on the previous year.

The organisation checks on the welfare of rough sleepers every day of the year and works to try and help them access housing and benefits.

The charity has launched a campaign to try and raise £200,000 to enable it to plug a funding shortfall to continue its work.

Framework has seen a record number of rough sleepers in Sheffield city centre in 2024.

Framework Street Outreach Team also support rough sleepers in Nottinghamshire and has worked in Sheffield since 2017.

As part of their daily duties the team take pre-dawn walks to check on the welfare of rough sleepers every day of the year including Christmas Day.

Steph Haines, from the organisation, said: “We have a record high this year. Day to day the numbers are astonishing.

"There’s just not accommodation or the right accommodation for complex people here."

On one morning in August 2024 Framework counted 71 people sleeping rough in Sheffield City Centre. A 78% increase on the same day in 2023.

The team also engage with clients to help them obtain housing, mental and physical health support and benefits.

Framework has a contract with Sheffield Council to continue their work for the next five years, however there is a budget shortfall of £189,122.

Claire Eden, head of fundraising and communications for Framework, said: “We need more resources, staff and specialist workers to address and meet the needs of the people we find sleeping rough."

Steven Wrigley is senior support worker who’s worked as part of the outreach team for nineteen months.

“I feel comfortable doing this. You just have to be yourself. You can’t save everyone.

"You can fix elements but not the whole thing. The person has to want to change."

Ms Haines said: "It's vital that we can continue to be there to avoid people putting themselves in the life-threatening position of sleeping not only on the streets but hidden away in car parks, cemeteries, quarries, building sites or wherever they can find shelter."

In addition to their outreach work, the organisation takes regular headcounts of rough sleepers for the government.

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